How to Shift a Manual Transmission
Shifting a transmission on a car can be tricky at first. The hardest part is learning how much gas to give as you release the clutch. When you engage the vehicle in gear the process of driving a "stick shift" gets easier every time with practice and coordination.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the shifter in neutral. The neutral position will be located in the middle and should have plenty of freeplay left to right.
-
2
Press the clutch pedal to the floor. The clutch pedal is the first pedal to the left.
-
-
3
Crank the vehicle. The vehicle should idle with your foot on or off the pedal if the transmission is in neutral.
-
4
Release the emergency brakes. The emergency brake is usually located behind the shifter. Press the button on top of the brake handle and slowly lower it to the console.
-
5
Press the clutch to the floorboard. Place the shifter in first gear. First gear is usually located over to the left and up.
-
6
Slowly raise the clutch as you lower the gas pedal. The clutch should engage the vehicle to first gear. The vehicle will stall or shut off if not enough gas is released.
-
7
Place your vehicle in second gear when the sound of the engine pitch starts rising. Your RPM gauge (engine revolutions per minute) will also indicate higher RPM's as the vehicle engine speed increases. Be sure you press the clutch pedal when you shift.
-
8
Slow the vehicle down by downshifting. Press the clutch pedal down and downshift the transmission. Release the clutch pedal as you change gears.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use your clutch pedal every time you change gears. Press the clutch pedal as you come to a stop as well. Always engage the parking brake when you park. Leave the vehicle in first gear to help prevent rolling.
Do not practice in traffic or around other vehicles. A private road or empty parking lot is ideal for practicing shifting a manual transmission.
